Five Concerns for Restaurants Inspections

1. Gas Lines and Copper Piping

Looking to purchase a restaurant that’s been vacant for some time? If so, it could have damaged or missing gas lines. These vital parts of the line include:

• Copper pipes

• Gas meter

• Drainpipes

2. Air-conditioning Systems

The restaurant’s air-conditioning system is important to keep customers and workers cool and happy. An air-conditioning system potentially includes:

• Rooftop Unit (pictured above)

• Air condenser

• Air compressor

A cooling component, such as a chiller or condenser, lasts 16-23 years. However, the lifespan of these components increase with regular maintenance and upkeep. For example, you need to be attentive to any potential hail damage or rust buildup.

3. Fire-safety

If a restaurant stays vacant for a long period, the fire-safety inspections may lapse. Some notable restaurant fire-safety items include:

• elevator certification (for multi-level restaurants)

• kitchen Ansul systems

• hood cleaning

• fire extinguisher inspections

• fire alarm panels and exit signage maintenance.

Restaurants in the U.S. are required to have a kitchen fire protection system. The most common system is Ansul, made by Tyco.

4. Plumbing

Your potential new restaurant property may have minor plumbing issues if the property has been vacant. Some minor and notable plumbing fixtures include:

• Cast iron drains (underground)

• Toilets & urinals

• Sinks

• Dishwashers

It is common for rubber parts to dry out, shrink, or crack when not used for long periods of time. These are simple fixes, but they can lead to expensive water bills due to leaky pipes.

5. Roof maintenance

Many owners neglect the roof. As a result, roof drains and gutters can clog and cause water to build up. The notable roof items include:

• Roof drains

• Roofing membrane

• Flashing

• Caulking

Excess water causes mold, cracks, and rust. In addition to the roof, these problems can expand to other areas of your property. For example, one of our inspected properties had a roof drain that caused the sidewalk and driveway to crack and erode.